Hyndburn's new Labour MP Sarah Smith has told a government minister that the current system for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities is failing families in her constituency.

She tackled school standards minister Catherine McKinnell on the issue in the House of Commons.

During Education Questions at Westminster, Mrs Smith said: "Far too many people in my constituency of Hyndburn find the current education, health and care plan (EHCP) process to be adversarial and one that fails to assess their child’s needs adequately.

"As the government works to reform the system, how can we be sure that the voices of parents and children will remain at the heart of any policy change?"

Ms McKinell replied: "I recognise what you are saying.

"We engage with children, young people, parents and carers in the development of policy, including through our participation contract.

"Next week I will meet our National Young People’s Group, which is a diverse group of young people from across England who have special educational needs and disabilities.

"They share their views and experiences with us, and I am looking forward to it.

"Last month, the National Audit Office confirmed what many families already know: the SEND system that we inherited from the Conservatives is broken.

"Indeed, the number of MPs raising concerns on behalf of their constituents shows the scale of the challenge that we have inherited.

"We are working as quickly as we can to make the changes that families need. It is huge, complex reform, but we are determined to fix the system.

"We are committed to working with families to deliver an improved SEND system that works for all.

"We ensure that families have access to free and impartial information, advice and support to enable them to participate as fully as possible in the decisions that affect them."